Celebrities on the Atkins Diet

The Atkins diet is popular among celebrities. Celebrities who have supported Atkins include Jennifer Aniston, Gerri Halliwell, and Robbie Williams.

Basically the Atkins diet allows for an unrestricted use of proteins, including meat, eggs and cheese and limits foods that contain carbohydrates such as pasta, bread and fruit.

One belief that those who follow Atkins has is that they can change their metabolism and lose weight by eating foods that are high in protein and fat and by not eating or limiting their intake of carbohydrates.

Part of the popularity of the Atkins diet is that most other diet plans restrict protein and fat and with the Atkins plan they are encouraged to eat these foods.

Protein Rich

Eating proteins often leads to diminished food cravings and people are happier when they do not feel hungry all the time. They also may experience more rapid weight loss on a plan that increases protein.

The cons to the Atkins diet is that is the individual eats unlimited amounts of saturated fat, which is found in most meat products, this can lead to an increased risk of heart disease.

Also, a diet that limits the intake of carbohydrates will cause the body to rely on fat or muscle for energy because carbohydrates are a main source of the energy needed by the body. When the body breaks down stored fat in order to supply the needed energy, a byproduct is formed called ketones.

Ketones suppress appetite, can cause fatigue, nausea, and can even cause potentially dangerous fluid loss. Individuals with diabetes, heart or kidney issues should seek the advise of a doctor before using the Atkins diet.

Watch Vegetables and Grains

Restricting vegetables and whole grains may lead to long-term health problems.

Individuals on the Atkins diet may lose weight early on in the program, but because of the health risks the weight loss may not seem worth it.

Scientific studies have shown that there are long-term health risks when you cut out fruit and vegetables from your diet.

Celebrities have achieved weight loss success using the Atkins Diet Plan. Renee Zellweger, Dennis Franz and Stevie Nicks have all used the Atkins Diet plan. Renee, Dennis and Stevie all lost thirty pounds each.

Dr. Robert Atkins first introduced the Atkins diet in the 70s. The diet consists of an initial two-week “induction” period when dieters are permitted to eat no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates each day. They gradually transmission into a diet that consists of nearly unlimited meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, cheeses, oils, butter, margarine, bacon, and sausages.

During the initial 2 weeks you are not allowed to have milk, fruits, grains, cereals, breads or “high glycemic index” vegetables like potatoes, peas, corn and carrots. After the initial two weeks 5 grams of carbohydrates are added weekly until they reach no more than 40 – 90 grams of carbohydrates, which is considered the “maintenance ” phase. This is a lower carbohydrate amount than what nutrition experts say is a healthy amount to consume.

According to health expert’s individuals on the Atkins plan are at risk for heart disease, and osteoporosis and kidney stones.